Born in the Philippines, made in California.

A frequenter of airports, cafes, and bookstores.

My time in San Francisco and Los Angeles has shaped more of my identity than any other season in my life.

Left home before I could legally smoke, got out of college before I could legally drink. Been in film festivals and music festivals – some I snuck into, and others I was invited to. Guess which is which.

I collector and teller of stories. On long drives, I enjoy the sound of This American Life, Radiolab, Freakonomics, and 99% Invisible over the low hum of pavement.

To make a living, I live by making. A creator by nature. Documentaries are my forte, but I've written my share of scripts too. To make ends meet, I direct ads in Southeast Asia.

I'm most alive when I'm learning. Tell me about you, your childhood, your customs and quirks. Show me your craft – or better yet, teach me! We live in an ever expanding universe; it would be a shame to have the universe within us remain stagnant.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

For years, I've hosted a whole bunch of people on spare mattresses, on foldable couches, and on the floor. I've had hours of conversation over gallons of spilled wine. We've trekked miles over hills and through the alleys. Made, shared, and experienced art.

As both a host and surfer, I've had my horizons broadened. It's more than a change of timezone; it's a shift in perspective too. I've learned of the differences in values across culture and of the coinciding desires that connects us across oceans.

Tourism is consumption; but travel is an exchange.

Interests

Film, art, drawing/doodling, writing, hiking, surfing, getting lost, long road trips, mma, jiujitsu, yoga, biking, playing guitar, skateboarding, and a whole lot of others.

• animals
• aquaria
• arts
• culture
• writing
• documentaries
• concerts
• music festivals
• festivals
• film festivals
• cooking
• wine
• yoga
• drinking
• movies
• traveling
• drawing
• music
• guitar
• karaoke
• cycling
• hiking
• surfing
• skateboarding
• tourism
• road trips
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

movies: Cinema Paradiso, City of God, The Prestige, The Lives of Others, Stranger Than Fiction, The Social Network, 12 Angry Men

books: Letters to a Young Poet by Rilke, Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, Modern Romance by Aziz Anzari, Just Kids by Patti Smith

music: Jeff Buckley, Mayer Hawthorne, Sylvan Esso, John Butler Trio, Jungle, Pearl Jam, M83, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gramatik, Bill Evans, Dave Brubeck, Jack Garratt, RJD2

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've ziplined over valleys, eaten animals park rangers would warn you about, sung Karaoke at a public park in front of hundreds, snuck into concerts, camped on rooftops, have had short films premiere in major festivals, explored an abandoned mall-turned-aquarium, sold a documentary series, and once pulled a man out of a wrecked car.

Teach, Learn, Share

I never claim to be an expert on anything, but I can teach a thing or two about lighting/camera. I love film, but I'm not a film buff... So I leave passionate debates on French New Wave or German Expressionism to those who are greater nerds than I.

I can probably teach a thing or two on the guitar. Maybe we can also draw.

Basic self-defense? Sure I can share some tips as well.

Mostly, I like sharing perspectives. I usually prefer to stay on the outside and observe. Let's talk about people - our quirks, our vulnerabilities, the common thread between cultures across every time zone. Tell me about your country - why you love it or why you wish to leave. Let me hear your idea of fulfillment is.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can cook some mean roasted broccoli, and all sorts of marinaded chicken. I could also try to draw you or your home. Perhaps you'd like a poem? I can attempt one.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Philippines, United States

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